Requirements

1. A Special Edition must be in keeping with the parent edition to be reported on the same certificate

A Special Edition:

Must carry at least 70% of the ROP (display) advertisements from the parent edition of which at least 70% of the individual advertisers must be represented. Any advertisers or agencies whose advertisement(s) is/are included in the Special Edition must have agreed in writing their inclusion in the Special Edition before it is published. Note:

Ignore any supplement (published in any Edition) which is published on 3 or less occasions in a 6 month period.

ROP (display) advertising does not include house advertisements, advertorials, advertisement/classified features (where advertisements for two or more advertisers are grouped under a common theme with or without editorial for example ‘Eating Out’ or ‘Spring Brides’), reader offers, reader holiday advertisements

Must carry those advertisements also included in the parent edition in the same size

Must carry those advertisements also included in the parent edition in the same colour (unless evidenced as agreed otherwise with the advertiser or agency).

Must comprise at least 25% editorial by volume.

Must carry a logotype/masthead on the front page incorporating the generic name of the parent publication.

Must be the same format as the parent edition, for example tabloid, broadsheet and use similar paper quality.

Must carry the same cover date/issue identification as the parent edition on a majority of its pages.

Must have commenced distribution within 7 days of the date of issue of the parent edition. The on-sale period may differ from that for the parent edition.

2. Cover price must be published on or inside front or back cover of the publication

The Special Edition’s cover price must be the same or higher than the cover price of the parent edition.

3. Single copy knowingly paid for by the consumer, at the published cover price, in the UK or Republic of Ireland

Copies sold below the cover price cannot be claimed.

There must therefore be no cash reimbursement to the consumer (excluding limited low chance lottery style promotions).

Copies must be sold solus. This means a Special Edition cannot be distributed with or inside the parent edition or sold as a package with other products or publications.

4. Prior notification to ABC is required

You must notify ABC prior to claiming Special Edition sales.

You must submit an application to include a Special Edition within 15 working days of its issue date accompanied by:

A completed Special Edition application form

A copy of the Special Edition

A copy of the parent publication marked to show the ROP (display) advertisements that also appear in the Special Edition

A copy of the notification to retailers giving details of the ‘on sale’ period for the Special Edition

Copies of agreements from advertisers to include their advertisement(s) in the Special Edition.

Reporting

You will report the following, which will be broken out on the ABC certificate: